What can I on a very limited budget create the effect of an explosion happening off camera. The producer wants to set up a shot in which sailors are watching a ship explode. I need ideas on how to create lighting effects that will do the trick.

All ideas welcomed. I have four days before we shoot.

Paul Donovan
Documentary cameraman

Hi Paul

Chuck in some smoke balls (condoms filled with smoke from a smoke canister, and insert some orange flash frames in post.

John Rossetti DOP London

>>The producer wants to set up a shot in which sailors are watching a ship explode. I need ideas on how >>to create lighting effects that will do the trick.

If you are doing a tight shot, you could use a projector sending a stock image of an explosion on their faces and use a smoke machine for effect.